IFZA Free Zone Setup — Dubai’s Most Flexible Visa Packages

IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) offers Dubai company formation starting from 14,900 AED license-only. 2,500+ activities, flexible 0/1/2/3 visa packages, and a Dubai Silicon Oasis address. Perfect for bootstrapped founders.

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What is IFZA?

The International Free Zone Authority is based in Dubai Silicon Oasis and has rapidly become the go-to entry-level Dubai Free Zone. Its flexibility (0 visa, 1 visa, multi-visa packages) and competitive pricing have attracted thousands of consultants, e-commerce founders and freelancers.

IFZA grants 100% foreign ownership, 0% personal income tax and full profit repatriation. Banking access is solid with digital banks (WIO, Mashreq NEOBiz) and increasingly with tier-1 partners.

IFZA Activities

2,500+ business activities are available at IFZA. The four most common categories we set up are below.

Consulting & Professional

Management consulting, marketing consultancy, IT services, training and HR consulting.

E-commerce & Trading

Online retail, drop-shipping, general trading (within Free Zones / re-export), and B2B distribution.

Technology & Media

Software development, web design, digital marketing, content creation and SaaS.

Education & Training

Vocational training, language schools, executive coaching and e-learning content production.

IFZA Cost Overview & Visa Quotas

IFZA’s pricing model is famously flexible: you only pay for the visas you need. Solo founder with no visa? Just license. Need 3 visas? Pick a 3-visa package and save.

License-only (0 visa) — Starting from 14,900 AED per year, 1 activity.
License + 1 visa — Starting from 18,000 AED all-in.
License + 2 visas — Starting from 21,500 AED all-in.
License + 3 visas — Starting from 25,500 AED all-in.
Visa quotas — up to 3 visas per license.
Office requirement — Smart Desk included; physical office optional.

Banking Access & Best Fit

IFZA is the flexibility winner. Here’s where it shines — and where DMCC or Meydan may serve you better.

Banking access — strong with digital banks (WIO, Mashreq NEOBiz). Tier-1 banks possible but slower.
Best for — freelancers, solo consultants, e-commerce, online services, bootstrapped founders.
Not ideal for — high-revenue trading firms or crypto (go DMCC), teams needing more than 3 visas (Meydan or JAFZA), or premium-address-conscious holding structures (Meydan).
Compliance — audited accounts not mandatory for renewal but recommended once Corporate Tax kicks in. See our accounting page.

IFZA FAQ

How fast can IFZA be set up?

3-5 working days for license issuance once the application is submitted. Visa stamping adds another 10-15 working days.

Can I have multiple activities on one IFZA license?

Yes — up to 7 related activities can be added under one license at a small additional fee (Starting from 1,000 AED per extra activity).

Do I need to be in Dubai to set up?

No — IFZA accepts remote applications with notarised documents. You’ll need to come to Dubai once for medical, Emirates ID biometrics and bank KYC.

Is IFZA designated for QFZP 0% Corporate Tax?

Yes, IFZA is part of the Designated Free Zones list. Meet the QFZP tests (qualifying activity + substance + audit) and qualifying income stays at 0%. Our accounting team handles the assessment.

Compare with other zones on our Free Zones hub or see the Free Zone formation process.